AMAZON Fire Stick owners have been warned over a fresh crackdown on illegal streaming following the arrest of a man.
The suspect, 42, is understood to be from Nottingham and had been using equipment to distribute top-tier shows, films, and sports by illegally streaming Sky TV for free.
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The police, who subsequently seized the man’s equipment, said the arrest sounds out a clear message to those watching Sky without permission.
Authorities have also threatened individuals could be in for a surprise as their streams go dark.
The police currently have powers under various acts including the Proceeds of Crime Act, Computer Misuse Act, and the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act.
The man has since been released on bail pending further investigation, the Mirror reports.
Detective Sergeant David Beach from Nottinghamshire Police’s Cyber Crime Unit stated: “This action sends out a strong message that we are homing in on those who knowingly commit or facilitate online copyright infringement.”
He added: “Not only is there an enormous loss to the entertainment industry with this particular operation but it is also unfair that millions of people work hard to afford their subscription-only TV services while others cheat the system.
“Some may think paying for illegal streaming devices and services is a victimless crime but that isn’t the case.”
Last year, a survey by global research firm YouGov Sport found that 5.1million adults in England, Scotland and Wales admitted to watching sport via an illegal streaming website or pirated app.
Amazon Prime Video, Sky Sports and TNT Sports share the media rights to live Premier League games in the UK, yet a subscription to all three services would cost fans more than £70 a month.
On top of the the cost of living crisis, more and more people are less inclined to pay out – especially when they know they can get it free elsewhere.
Sky’s Group Director of Anti-Piracy, Matt Hibbert, expressed his gratitude to the police following the man’s recent arrest, however.
He said: “We’d like to thank Nottinghamshire Police’s Cyber Crime Team for taking this strong action against illegal streaming operators.
“We will continue to support law enforcement to protect our content, tackle illegal streaming, and help keep consumers safe from the risks illegal streaming can pose.”
Hacked streaming sticks are not only illegal but can cause nasty viruses that hack into your software.
Detective Inspector Steve Frame, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Illegal streaming is far from a victimless crime, and as well as the impact it has on businesses and content creators, it essentially means that legitimate subscribers pay for those who illegally access such services.
“Illegal streams also increase the risk of users receiving malware, which can put them at increased risk of falling victim to Computer Misuse Act offences.”
It comes just days after a man who fled the UK after selling thousands of illegal IPTV boxes with access to premium Sky and BT channels was finally jailed.
Michael Hornung, 40, from Hyde, Greater Manchester, was sentenced to four years and six months in prison for running the scheme and pocketing an estimated £350,000.
The TV boxes he sold provided access to subscription services from Sky, BT, and Virgin Media, as well as thousands of on-demand films and pay-per-view content.
Households using dodgy streaming gadgets were also recently slapped with a “stern warning” after an illegal TV operation was busted.
Two men running the “Titan Streams” illegal streaming ring were caught selling illegal Sky and TNT Sports subscriptions to thousands of people, according to Worcestershire county council.
Benjamin Yates and Lewis Finch pleaded guilty to illegally supplying Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) which allows access to paywalled services for free.